Owen Good

It happens every July: Club Nintendo announces its loyalty gifts for members who reached gold or platinum status in the past year, and everyone craps all over them. Well, if you don't want another poster or desk calendar (and I quite enjoy mine, thank you very much) now you may pick a free game from the Wii Virtual Console or the 3DS eShop.

There still are physical-item gifts for those who like getting something in the mail. Those who earned 600 or more coins (these are awarded for registering devices and games, answering surveys and such) between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, may choose choose a set of three posters featuring art from Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Kid Icarus: Uprising. Or they can get a set of Mario-themed playing cards. (Both are pictured above).

Just have Gold-level elite status? Well, you can have another goddamn calendar. (Platinum members may also pick the calendar if they want.) If none of that appeals to you, all Platinum and Gold members may choose one free download from the following games: Super Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask from the Wii Virtual Console, Metroid II: Return of Samus from the 3DS Virtual Console or Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! from DSiWare.